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Volume 10, Issue 9, September 2017
Department Officers:
Commandant: Michael McLain, 304-464-5049 Adjutant: Patti Leib, 740-591-8611
Sr. Vice Commandant: Scott Kirby, 304-588-0318 Paymaster: Patti Leib, 591-8611
Jr. Vice Commandant: Jerry Bain, 304-675-1905 Chaplain: Frank Armentrout, 304-837-4011
Judge Advocate: Richard Sneigle, 304-588-7901 Sgt.-at-Arms: Chuck Ghuste, 304-692-0334
Jr. Past Commandant: Richard Shank, 304-633-1814 Asst. Sgt-at-Arms: Roy Wood, 304-339-3326
Legislative: Hershel Williams, 304-743-1026 Service/VAVS: Roger L. Estep, 304-380-7930
Chief of Staff: Roger Ware, 304-636-4365 Public Relations: Jean Lamb, 304-595-1482
Web Sgt: Steven Swenton, 304-277-8872 Historian: Mike Lynon, 304-419-0982
Department E-mail contact: [email protected]
Department Web site: http://www.mcleaguedeptofwv.org/
Department Adjutant/Paymaster: [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Roger Ware, 181 Weese Street, Elkins, WV 26241 E-mail: [email protected]
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Mideast Division NVC Bruce Rakfeldt Message
Greetings to all Members of the Mideast Division!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for electing me as your new National
Vice Commandant at the 94th National Convention in Overland Park, Kansas. I, along with
your newly elected Assistant Division Vice Commandant, Roger Ware (Do WV), look
forward to continuing the positive momentum our Division has been doing in performing the
mission of the League. It is an honor to serve all of you in this position as well as represent
you wherever I travel. I want to also take this opportunity to recognize Past NVC Mike
McLain for his four years of service and dedication to our Division. He is an outstanding
Marine and a great friend. We look forward to seeing him at future Division Conferences and
National events. I would also like to congratulate Mike McLain for being selected as the 2017
National Marine of the Year and Department of North Carolina Commandant, Jeffrey Jones,
for being selected as the Kennel Dog of the Year! In addition, Roger Stockton, of the Greater
Greensboro Detachment #260, from the Department of North Carolina, brought home the
National Recruiter of the Year Award by recruiting 100 new members! The Mideast Division
has a lot to be proud of with accolades such as these! Your new Mideast Division Staff is
ready to serve you and that Staff Roster will be forwarded on to you by Mideast Adjutant
Frank Mathers. We all look forward to serving you and performing the mission of the League!
Again, thank you for this opportunity to serve as your National Vice Commandant for the
next two years. As I visit your Departments and Detachments, I look forward to meeting old
friends and always making new ones. Take care of yourselves and each other and let’s always
keep our overseas Marines and Corpsmen in our thoughts and prayers.
Semper Fidelis,
Bruce R. Rakfeldt
National Vice Commandant
Mideast Division, Marine Corps League
www.mclmideast.com Cell: (336) 693-4340
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Chaplain’s Corner
To: Commander and Chief Spiritual Armed Forces, Jesus CD
Dear Lord,
I began writing this to You to request a transfer to a desk job. I herewith present my reasons: I
began my career as a private; because of the intensity of the battle, You have quickly moved
me up in rank. You have made me an NCO and have given me a tremendous amount of
responsibility.
There are many Marines and recruits under my charge. I am constantly being called upon to
dispense wisdom, make judgments, and find solutions to complex problems. You have placed
me in a position to function as an NCO, when in my heart I only have the skills of a private. I
realize that you have promised to supply all I would need for the battle. But Sir, I must
provide You a realistic picture of my equipment. My uniform, once so crisp and starched, is
now stained with tears and the blood of those I have tried to assist; the souls of my boots are
cracked from the miles I have walked trying to enlist and encourage the instructed troops. My
weapons are marred, tarnished and chipped from constant battle with the enemy. Even the
Book of Regulations I was issued has been torn and tattered from endless use. The words are
now smeared. You have promised You would be with me throughout, but the noise of the
battle is so loud and the confusion is so great, I can neither see You nor hear You. I feel so
alone. I'm tired and I'm discouraged. I have battle Fatigue. I would never ask You for a
discharge. I love being in Your service, but I humbly request a demotion and transfer. I'll file
papers or clean heads. Just get me out of the battle, please, Sir.
To: Faithful but tired Marine:
Subject: Transfer
Your request for transfer has been denied, I herewith present My reasons: You are needed in
the battle. I have selected you, and I will keep My word to supply your need. You do not need
a demotion and transfer. You need R&R: Renewal and Rekindling. I am setting aside a place
on the battlefield that is insulated from all sound and fully protected from the enemy. I will
meet you there and give you rest. I will remove your equipment and "make all things new"
You have been wounded in the battle, My Marine; your wounds are not visible, but you have
received grave internal injuries. You need to be healed. I will heal you. You have been
weakened in the battle. You need to be strengthened. I will strengthen you and be your
strength. I will instill in you confidence and ability. My words will rekindle within you a
renewed love and enthusiasm. Report to me tired and empty; I will refill you.
Compassionately,
Your Commander in Chief JESUS CHRIST
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Why most people go barefoot in West Virginia....
A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He
started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there. Going to a very large
church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the
vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute." Seeking
out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden
phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in
Seattle, Houston, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and many cities and towns all around the
United States, he found more phones with the same sign, and the same answer from each
pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Newton, WV.
Upon entering a church in the beautiful state of WEST VIRGINIA, behold, he saw the usual
golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents". Fascinated, he asked to talk
to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church, I have
found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could
talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35
cents a call. Why?" (I love this part) The pastor, smiling broadly, replied, "Son, you're in West
Virginia now - you're in God's Country where it's a local call.
American by Birth, West Virginian by the Grace of God.
And why do West Virginian go barefoot?
CAUSE, When you're in WEST VIRGINIA, you're on Holy ground
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MCL Monument Fund
Please consider a fund raiser to help generate funds for the placement of this USMC
monument in the Donal Kinnard National Cemetery at Institute, WV. Make all funds payable
to Dept. of WV MCL and mail to Dept. Paymaster Patti Leib.
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Department Quarterly Meeting - September 9, 2017 in Logan
2017 Department of WV Quarterly Meeting will be September 9, 2017 hosted by Danny M.
Greene Detachment 577 in Logan, WV at the old Henlawson Grade School & Vet Center.
Dept. Staff Officer Meeting is 9:30 AM with general business meeting at 10 AM. WV Pack
Growl will immediately follow Dept. Meeting.
Directions: Traveling from Charleston take 119 South to Logan. Turn right on Rte. 10 in
Logan and travel about 4 miles to stoplight in Mitchell Heights. Watch for Chief Logan State
Park on the left and the Henlawson Fire Station on the right. Follow Rt. 10 for a short distance
beyond this point to an abandoned service station on the right and watch for the Henlawson
Bridge. It is difficult to spot until you are right upon it. Watch for a white building that is
marked Star Storage. This building is just beyond the bridge and is on the right of the
highway. Turn right onto the bridge. As soon as you cross the bridge turn right at the first
intersection onto Veteran’s Avenue. Go two blocks to the Veteran’s Center on the left. This
center is a former one story, brick school. It is marked as VVA and there are usually two
small, white Veteran’s buses in front. There is ample parking beside the building and in the
back.
Department of WV MCL Detachment Commandant’s Report
2017 Department of WV Regular Meeting will be held on September 9, 2017 hosted by
Danny M. Green Detachment 577 in Logan, WV at the Vet Center 21 Veterans Ave,
Henlawson, WV 25624.
Staff Officers Meeting is 0930 AM with general business meeting at 1000 AM. WV Pack
Growl will immediately follow Dept. Meeting.
The uniform code has been modified for the department regular meetings as members can
wear polo shirts and pants, with fore and aft cover. The uniform code must be followed for the
Department Convention.
Department Regular Meeting Reports May 7, 2017 to Sept. 9, 2017
Detachment Commandants… The Dept. of WV requests that each detachment Commandant
or appointed representative attend the department regular meeting to submit their detachment
report.
In the event that attendance by your detachment is not possible, please contact the Department
Commandant to be excused and mail or email a copy of your report to the Dept.
Adjutant/Paymaster Patti Leib before the date of the regular meeting.
Bring 15 copies of your detachment report to set out on the reports table for other detachment
Commandants and Officers to view. Ensure the Dept. Adjutant/Paymaster, Sr. Vice
Commandant, Jr. vice Commandant, Judge Advocate and Chaplain get a copy of your report.
Professional Development training classes will be conducted during this meeting. A summary
and overview of the new Department Guidebook for Detachments will be presented from a
video disc. Copies will be given to every detachment in attendance. Commandants are advised
to bring their Adjutant/Paymaster or Adjutant and Paymaster with them for the class.
Commandants modify your reports to include the following:
Membership and Retention Team:
List number of paid life members: paid regular members: total paid: and total unpaid as of
Sept. 1, 2017
Have you generated a dues notice letter for mailing to your unpaid members?
Do you have a roster of every member that includes mailing address, phone number, date of
birth, and email address? Do you have an accurate data base for all members?
Does your detachment have a Membership Retention Team that includes detachment Jr. Vice
Commandant, detachment Paymaster and one appointed member?
Does your detachments MRT report membership totals in your business meetings and list the
unpaid members.?
How many new members have joined your detachment since May 7, 2017 and has each new
member been assigned a mentor?
How does your MRT contact your unpaid and delinquent members and other members?
What recruiting events has the detachment conducted since May 7, 2017?
Does your MRT contact every detachment member at least once every 3 months?
Do you send your monthly meeting minutes to those members who do not attend meetings?
Report of Officer Installation:
Detachments must file an ROI every year even if they keep their current slate of Officers.
Have you filed your ROI for this year?
Paid Life Member Audit:
Have you filed your annual PLM Audit using the National 6/30/17 roster with the Dept.
Paymaster, Patti Leib? Include the date the PLM Audit was conducted on your report.
IRS 990-N
Have you completed your annual IRS 990-N and sent a confirmation copy to the Dept.
Paymaster, Patti Leib? Include your EIN # and 990 submission received date in your report or
include the date when your 990-N renewal is due for this year.
Annual Corporate Report with WV Sec of State
Have you completed your Annual Corporate Report with WV Sec of State?
Professional Development Training:
Is your detachment implementing Professional Development Training into your membership?
Are you using the Guidebook for Det. Officers, Dept. DVD training disc to assist in training?
What PDT classes have been conducted in your detachment meetings since May 7, 2017?
Chaplain’s Report:
List deceased members from May 7, 2017 to Sept. 9, 2017. Have death notices for these
members been filed by your detachment Chaplain and forwarded to the Dept. Chaplain?
Detachment Commandants additional Comments:
In this section of your report the Detachment Commandant can make comments, requests and
or suggestions to the Dept. of WV Staff.
Americanism and Civic Events:
Summarize your most important activities or significant events.
Detachment Awards:
How do you recognize your members? Do you submit recommendations for department
awards?
Membership attendance:
What are reasons that members chose not to attend detachment or quarterly meetings or
department conventions?
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Modern Day Marine Expo, Sept. 19-21, 2017, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia
MCL members are always needed to help staff the two MCL booths where welcome bags are
distributed. MCL National Sgt-at-Arms Neil Corley is the point of contact and he will be in
one of the booths commencing Monday Sep 18. The uniform for members working in the
booths is polo shirt, MCL cover, black trousers and black shoes or black tennis shoes. It is
highly recommended that anyone who wants to attend log onto the Modern Day Marine Expo
website and click on Attendee Badge Registration and fill it out. Once you arrive at the Expo,
go to Registration and pick up your name tag. Here is the schedule for events.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Schedule-of-Events
Tuesday, September 19
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Registration Open
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM Opening Ceremony
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Exhibit Halls Open
Wednesday, September 20
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM Registration Open
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Enlisted Awards Parade
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Reception in Exhibit Halls
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Exhibit Halls Open
Thursday, September 21
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Registration Open
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Exhibit Halls Open (Family Day)
To Attend
Uniformed Marines do not need to register for a badge. Retailers, Retired Marines and
Contracting Officials may register at no charge. Manufacturers not exhibiting in Modern Day
Marine must register and will be charged a non-exhibiting manufacturer fee
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National Convention Summary
Approximately 886 members of the MCL, Ladies Auxiliary and MODD attended the 2017
National Convention in Overland Park, Kansas. These are the new National Officers:
National Commandant: Wendell Webb, Sr Vice Commandant: Dennis Tobin, Jr Vice
Commandant Johnny Baker and Judge Advocate Warren Griffin. Bruce Rakfeldt Department
of NC was installed as NVC, Mideast Division. Roger Ware Department of WV was installed
as Assistant NVC for the Division. Roger Ware was retained as MODD Kennel Veterinarian.
Mike McLain was retained as MODD Kennel Deputy Police Dog and Roy Wood was
retained as MODD Kennel Deputy Mad Dog. The Department of WV, Wood County Det.
1087 and L. D. Crawford Det. 956 were presented with a 2017 National Convention Steamer
for the colors. The 2018 National Convention will be at the Buffalo Hyatt in Buffalo, New
York. August 12-17, 2018. The National Marine of the Year was Michael McLain. The
Kennel Dog of the Year was PDD Jeffrey D. Jones. The Kennel donated $50,000 to The
Children's Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. PDD Leonard Spicer was installed as the Chief
Devil Dog. Lt. General James B. Laster, Director, Marine Corps Staff, was the keynote
speaker. There were no BL changes discussed as they were not submitted on time as per NBL
and therefore were deferred. Any type black shoe may be worn with the MCL uniform as the
current shoe has caused many orthopedic problems in older members. The 2019 National
Convention will be in Billings, Montana.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vet
Veterans Affairs Information presented at National Convention 19 August 2017
Subj: Veteran Service Officer Report.
Sir Commandant, I am submitting a written transcript of the topics that were discussed on the
floor of this year's National Convention in Overland Park, KS.
VA Burial Benefits: The VA offers two different types of Burial Benefits when the Veteran
passes away:
Service Connected Burial Benefit - If the Veteran passes away from a service connected
condition or a presumptive condition that was not previously claimed, the VA will pay a one-
time payment of $2,000.
Non-Service Connected Burial Benefit- If a Veteran is in receipt of a monetary award from
the VA (VA Disability Compensation or Non-Service Connected Pension) or passes away at a
VA Medical Center or VA Contract Care Facility while enrolled in VA Medical Care, the VA
will pay a one-time payment of $300 and possibly reimburse the person who paid for the
funeral, for the cost of transportation of remains from the place of death to the funeral home,
as long as the amount is broken out in the itemized funeral bill.
Plot Allowance- The VA will pay a $749 Plot Allowance for internment costs of the Veteran
as long as the Veteran is eligible for receipt of service connected or non-service connected
burial benefits. The VA will pay the $749 Plot Allowance to a State Veteran Cemetery for
internment of a Veteran regardless of eligibility of the Service Connected or Non-Service
Connected Benefit.
Survivor's Benefits- There are two different Survivor Benefits that a Surviving Spouse/Child
under 18 (or unmarried child enrolled in school under the age of 23)/or Adult Helpless Child
of the Veteran may be eligible for:
Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC)- DIC is paid to an eligible spouse/dependent if
the Veteran passed away from a service connected condition, a previously unclaimed
presumptive condition, or from any condition if the Veteran was rated 100% Disabled (or
Individual Unemployability) for 10 years or longer. Note- the Spouse had to be married to the
Veteran for at least one year prior to the Veteran's death and will lose the DIC award if they
remarry before the age of 57. If they do remarry before age 57 and lose the DIC Award and
that subsequent marriage ends in divorce or death, the Surviving Spouse may file for DIC
again due to the Veteran's passing.
- Basic DIC Rate is $1,257.95/Month
- If the Veteran was rated 100% (or I.U.) for 8+ years and married to the same spouse
for at least 8 years, the Spouse will receive an additional $267.12/month
- If the Surviving Spouse is entitled to the Aid and Attendance Rate (based upon the
need of help with the activities of daily living), the spouse will receive an additional
$311.64/month.
** Note- If the Veteran was a DOD Retiree and paid into the DFAS Survivor Benefit Plan
(SBP) (6% of the monthly retired pay which allows the Surviving Spouse to receive 55% of
the Veteran's Retired Pay at the time of their death) and also qualifies for DIC based upon a
service connected cause of death, the current Federal Law does not permit payments of both
SBP and DIC. The current Federal Law only allows the payment of the greater amount and
possibly the SBP/DIC Offset which is currently $310/month.
Survivor's Pension- This is the only other type of Survivor Benefit. To be eligible, the Veteran
had to have wartime service, had to have at least 90 days of active duty service before 1980 or
at least 2 years after 1980, been married to the surviving spouse for at least one year prior to
the Veteran's passing, and then meet the financial requirements of having less than $80k in
assets (not to include the spouse's primary residence). Assets include additional houses,
excessive property, amounts in checking/savings accounts, IRAs, stocks, bonds, mutual funds,
trusts, etc. If below the $80k threshold, the VA will determine the Pension Rate that the
spouse would be eligible for. Once the rate is determined, the surviving spouse's annual
income- which includes all sources of income to include Social Security (which will be
adjusted by subtracting recurring monthly medical costs) must be below the Maximum
Annual Pension Rate for that specific level of Pension. Note- If a surviving Spouse remarries
after the death of the Veteran, they will lose the Pension and can never claim it again
regardless of what happens to the subsequent marriage.
- Basic Pension Rate- If the surviving spouse can live on their own & take care of themselves,
Maximum Annual Pension Rate is $8,656.00/year
- Housebound Rate- If the surviving spouse can live on their own and take care of themselves
but are indoors all day and need help to leave their residence, Maximum Annual Pension Rate
is $10,580.00/year
- Aid and Attendance Rate- If the Surviving Spouse requires assistance from someone else to
take care of activities of daily living (Bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.) then the cost of Home
Healthcare, Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing can be counted as recurring monthly medical
Expenses. This is the only level that these costs will be counted as medical expenses.
Maximum Annual Pension Rate is $13,836.00/year
The VA will never pay above the Maximum Annual Pension Rate for the level that they
qualify for. For example, if a spouse is entitled to pension at the A&A Rate and the cost of
assisted living is more than his/her income, the VA will pay $13,836.00/year or $1,153.00 per
month.
Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water Presumptive Conditions- On January 13, 2017 the
VA published a Final Rule in the Federal Register establishing presumptive service
connection for eight medical conditions for any veterans, reservists and Guard members who
served at Camp Lejeune, N.C. (including Marine Corps Air Station New River, Camp Geiger,
Camp Johnson and Stone Bay Rifle Range) for 30 or more days between August 1, 1953 and
December 31, 1987. This presumptive service connection is based on exposure to toxic
chemicals present in the water on base during that time period.
The medical conditions are:
adult leukemia,
aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes,
bladder cancer,
kidney cancer,
liver cancer,
multiple myeloma,
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and
Parkinson’s disease.
These conditions were selected as a result of review of scientific studies on the chemicals that
were known to have contaminated the water at Camp Lejeune.
Other medical conditions arising in veterans exposed to the contaminated water may be
service connected on a direct basis, but veterans will need a medical opinion linking their
current condition to their exposures at Camp Lejeune. There are fourteen conditions
approved for healthcare treatment purposes (38 CFR 17.400), but only the conditions listed
above are for presumptive compensation purposes. The effective date of the regulation will be
March 14, 2017, so compensation and DIC may be able to be paid beginning on that date.
Earlier claims that were denied must be re-opened in order to be considered under the new
presumptive regulation. Dependents and civilians who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune are
NOT entitled to any compensation for disabilities arising from toxic exposure at this time.
If a Veteran has passed away from one of these listed conditions regardless of how long ago
the death occurred, have the surviving spouse submit a DIC Claim.
President's Proposed Budget as it pertains to Individual Unemployability- My office has
been fielding many phone calls concerning the President's Proposed Budget which included a
recommendation that Veterans receiving Individual Unemployability Benefits (Veterans who
are rated 60-90% Rating service connected but being paid at the 100% rate because they
cannot maintain gainful employment due to service connected disabilities) would have their
benefit end when they begin receiving Social Security Retirement age- at which time they
would lose the 100% rate and revert back to their actual disability rating vice the 100% rate
and the savings would then be used to fund an expanded Choice Program. This was only a
proposal and since the release of that proposal, VA Secretary Shulkin provided testimony on
June 14, 2017 which said "The budget is a process, and this was part of a menu of
opportunities that we had for thinking how we can make the budget process better. As I began
to listen to veterans and their concerns and VSOs in particular, it became clear that this would
be hurting some veterans and that this would be a takeaway for veterans who can't afford to
have those benefits taken away. I'm really concerned about that. So, what I'd like to say is -- is
that this is part of a process. We have to be looking at ways to do things better but I am not
going to support policies that hurt veterans. And so, I would look forward to working with
you and all the members of the Committee on figuring out how we can do this better. We
have budget numbers and targets that we have to hit, but we shouldn't be doing things that are
going to hurt veterans that can't afford to lose these benefits."
Secretary of the VA announced his intention to expand provisions for urgent mental health
care needs to former service members with other-than-honorable (OTH) administrative
discharges. This move marks the first time a VA Secretary has implemented an initiative
specifically focused on expanding access to assist former OTH service members who are in
mental health distress and may be at risk for suicide or other adverse behaviors. This does not
mean that Veterans with OTH discharges (or lower) would be permitted to have service
connected disabilities if they were previously barred from benefits from the VA but does
allow for up to 90 days of emergent mental health treatment at a VA Medical Center.
Possible additional Presumptive Conditions for Exposure to Herbicides/Agent Orange-
Later this fall, the Secretary of the VA is going to decide whether additional medical
conditions should be added to the list of presumptive conditions due to exposure of Agent
Orange/Herbicides from Vietnam. Those conditions are Hypothyroidism, Hypertension (High
Blood Pressure) and Parkinson-Like symptoms. The Current Presumptive Conditions for
Agent Orange/Herbicide Exposures include: Prostate Cancer, Type II Diabetes, Ischemic
Heart Disease/Coronary Artery Disease, Lung Cancer, Parkinson's Disease, Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, Chloracne, AL Amyloidosis, All Chronic B-Cell Leukemias,
and Multiple Myeloma (not an all-inclusive list).
Again, if a Veteran served in Vietnam and passed away from one of these conditions, the
surviving spouse should file a DIC Claim.
Gulf War Presumptive Period Extended for Five Years- Under 38 CFR 3.317,
presumptive service connection for disabilities arising from Gulf War Service requires that a
Veteran develop the disability within a certain timeframe after his/her service. This "sunset
date" was previously December 21, 2016 but the VA has recently published an interim final
rule that extends the period to December 31, 2021. These conditions are presumptive to any
Veteran who served in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations (not to include Afghanistan)
from August 1991 through current day. The Presumptive conditions for Southwest Asia
Include Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and
Undiagnosed Illnesses of Southwest Asia (multi clusters of symptoms without a definitive
diagnosis).
Note- The VA still has not conceded any presumptive conditions associated with exposures to
Burn Pits.
Decision Ready Claims- In an effort to speed up the processing time for VA Disability
Claims and certain types of Survivor Benefits, the VA is working towards Decision Ready
Claims. Similar to Fully Developed Claims where all private treatment records are submitted
with all of the required claims forms, the Decision Ready Claims will also require a
completed Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) for the condition being claimed to be
submitted with the claim. There are many different DBQs available for each of the claimed
conditions which can be found by searching for forms on the VA.gov website or, if a Veteran
Service Officer has access to VetraSpec, there is a link for the DBQs on the "Forms" tab. We
have been told that if Veteran requests that a DBQ be completed by their VA Medical Center
Primary Care Provider, they will do so. If the correct DBQ is completed with all of the
completed forms, the VA's goal is to have claims for increase and Dependency Indemnity
Compensation Claims completed in 30 days or less. Please note that you cannot find the DBQ
for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as those exams must be completed by a VA Psychiatrist or
Psychologist or a VA-Contract Provider through one of the VA Contracted Providers.
VA Dental Insurance Program- While the VA signed the VA Dental Insurance
Reauthorization Act into law allowing the current VA Dental Insurance Pilot Program
(VADIP) to move forward as a permanent benefit, the program is not accepting new patients
while the VA determines who will proceed with the contract to manage the program. Once
the new contract for managing the program has been awarded, all Veterans enrolled in VA
Medical Care are eligible to enroll in this program and if they are rated 100% Permanent and
Total with Chapter 35 Ancillary Benefits, then their VA approved dependents are also eligible
for enrollment. The Undersecretary of the VA for Healthcare has stated that a contract will be
awarded by the end of September 2017 and Veteran can begin enrolling by the end of
November. If Veterans are interested in the status of the status of the contract process and
when the VA Dental Insurance Program will again start accepting new clients, information
can be found at the VA's website: https://www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vadip/index.asp
Appeals Modernization Act has been approved by the House of Representatives and the
U.S. Senate. Once signed into Law and fully implemented, this will allow Veteran one of
three different lanes in order to have their appeal heard. Lane 1 will allow the Veteran to have
his rating decision reviewed by a higher-level rater at the VA Regional Office with no
additional evince to be submitted. Lane 2 will allow the Veteran up to one year to submit new
evidence to support the claim for a new decision to be made. Lane 3 will allow the Veteran to
submit the claim to the Board of Veterans Appeals for the BVA Law Judge to render a
decision within one year. The biggest hold-up is what to do with the approximately 490k
legacy appeals that are currently pending which will not be covered by the Appeals
Modernization Act unless approval is granted to allow legacy appeals to be moved into the
new appeals system.
Dispelling Rumors about Concurrent Receipt- Rumors have circulated around the veteran
community recently about a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report regarding potential
savings in the federal budget published in December 2016. Since 1982, the CBO has prepared
an annual report to Congress of various options for reducing the federal deficit, either by
reducing spending or increasing revenue. 115 options were presented across all agencies in
the last report. Many of these options presented by CBO are controversial. Concerns arose
over the option presented in the CBO report of eliminating concurrent receipt of military
retired pay and VA compensation. While it is good to remain vigilant about continuing to
ensure veterans and their families receive needed benefits, please note: There are no current
plans anywhere in Congress to eliminate concurrent receipt. In fact, there is legislation
pending to extend concurrent receipt to retirees with a less than 50% disability rating.
Currently, if a Veteran is a 20+ year Retiree and is rated 40% disabled, the Veteran's Retired
pay from DFAS is reduced by the amount paid by the VA. In essence, the Veteran receives
the same amount of pay but the portion paid by the VA is tax-exempt.
CRDP- is the Concurrent Receipt paid to a 20+ year Retiree (Reserve or Active Duty)
that is rated 50% or higher by the VA. Nothing has to be done on the part of the Veteran that
falls into this category unless they are a Retired Reservist as they do not begin receiving
retired pay until age 60 (at that time they would inform the VA that they are now receiving
Retirement Pay and that they are 50% or higher from the VA).
CRSC (Combat Related Special Compensation)- If a Veteran is medically retired from
the Military, concurrent receipt is not automatic. They have to complete an application which
will be sent to the Military Service Branch which requests Concurrent Receipt for specific VA
service connected conditions that were incurred in combat, training for combat, instrument of
war or simulated war. The application must include VA Rating Decisions, medical treatment
records, proof of combat injuries, etc.…
Education Benefits/Characterization of Discharge- In order for a Veteran to use the Post
9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill, they must have an Honorable Discharge. A General
Under Honorable Conditions (or less) disqualifies a Veteran from VA Education Benefits
under Post 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bills.
The Department of Defense has announced a renewed effort to ensure veterans are aware of
the opportunity to have their discharges and military records reviewed. Through enhanced
public outreach, engagement with Veterans Service Organizations, Military Service
Organizations, and other outside groups, as well as direct outreach to individual veterans,
DoD is encouraging all veterans who believe they have experienced an error or injustice to
request relief from their service’s Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NR)
or Discharge Review Board (DRB). All veterans who desire a correction to their service
record or who believe their discharge was unjust, erroneous, or warrants an upgrade, are
encouraged to apply for review. Some key information to include in requests for discharge
upgrades include: 1) It is very important to explain why the veteran’s discharge or other
record was unjust or erroneous – for example, how it is connected to, or resulted from unjust
policies, a physical or mental health condition related to military service, or some other
explainable or justifiable circumstance.
2) It is important to provide support, where applicable, for key facts. For example, if a
veteran has a relevant medical diagnosis, it would be very helpful to include medical records
that reflect that diagnosis.
3) It is helpful, but not always required, to submit copies of the veteran’s applicable service
records. The more information provided, the better the boards can understand the
circumstances of the discharge. Discharge upgrades can also be granted on the basis of clemency. Veterans who believe their
post-service conduct and contributions to society support an upgrade or correction should
describe their post-service activity and provide any appropriate letters or other documentation
of support.
Respectfully Submitted
William E. Heyob
Commandant, Department of Idaho
Program Manager/State Veteran Service Officer
Idaho Division of Veteran Services
Boise VA Regional Office, Boise, ID USA
(208) 780-1382- Office (Direct)
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Announcement: Marine Corps 242nd Birthday
To all Marines, families and guests.
West Virginia Marines and Marine Corps League Detachment 342, Monongalia County,
will be celebrating the 242nd year of Marine Corps History
and cordially request the honor of your presence.
Date: November 10, 2017
Location: Knights of Columbus, 379 North Parkview Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505
Doors Open: at 6:00 PM
Dinner served at 7:00 PM
Choice of Prime Rib Au Jus (Medium), Chicken Cordon Bleu
or Vegetarian Roasted Pepper Penne
Entertainment: TBA
Tickets: Price to Be Determined
Deadline for reservations: To Be Determined
Reservation forms can be picked up at: To Be Determined
Reservation forms can be mailed to:
website: mcl342.org
For tickets, reservations, and information, call Commandant: Chuck Ghuste 304-692-0334
and leave a message.
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VA to Decide on New Agent Orange Ailments by Nov. 1
VA Secretary David J. Shulkin will decide “on or before” Nov. 1 whether to add to the list of
medical conditions the Department of Veteran Affairs presumes are associated to Agent
Orange or other herbicides sprayed during the Vietnam War, a department spokesman said
Tuesday in response to our enquiry.
Any ailments Shulkin might add to VA’s current list of 14 “presumptive diseases” linked to
herbicide exposure would make many more thousands of Vietnam War veterans eligible for
VA disability compensation and health care.
Ailments under review as possible adds to the presumptive diseases list include bladder
cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson-like symptoms without diagnosis of that particular
disease. But hypertension (high blood pressure) and stroke also might be embraced, or
ignored, as part of the current review.
The process was sparked by the Institute of Medicine’s 10th and final review of medical
literature on health effects of herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The 1100-page report concluded
in March 2016 that recent scientific research strengthened the association between herbicide
exposure and bladder cancer, hypothyroidism and Parkinson-like symptoms. Specifically, the
institute, or IOM, found “limited or suggestive” evidence of an association to herbicide versus
its previous finding of “inadequate or insufficient” evidence of an association.
The IOM report also reaffirmed from earlier reviews “limited or suggestive evidence” of an
association between herbicide sprayed in Vietnam and hypertension and also strokes. That
same level of evidence was used in 2010 by then-VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to add ischemic
heart disease and Parkinson’s disease to the Agent Orange presumptive list. Shinseki had
stronger evidence, an IOM finding of “positive association” to herbicide for chronic
lymphocytic leukemia, which he also added to the list that year. Shulkin, the current secretary,
has authority to use IOM findings to add all five diseases to the presumptive list, or he can
choose to look at other studies and scientific evidence to support adding fewer ailments or
none at all.
The IOM, renamed the National Academy of Medicine last summer, delivered its Veterans
and Agent Orange: Update 2014, to then-VA Secretary Bob McDonald 15 months ago. He
immediately ordered a technical work group formed to review IOM findings and original
studies it relied on, as well as any new science relevant to Agent Orange ailments. The
workgroup’s findings then were reviewed by a smaller strategic workgroup, followed by an
internal task force of senior VA leaders.
“The entire VA response packet (with specific recommendations for action) from the IOM
Task Force was delivered to the Office of the Secretary for consideration” on February 17, a
senior official told us at the time. Shulkin that month was confirmed as VA secretary. The
previous 18 months he was VA undersecretary for health and would have been familiar with
the Agent Orange packet. So, what has happened since then?
VA officials are lean on those details. A spokesman said VA continues to work “diligently to
review the National Academy of Medicine report on potential new presumptions for Agent
Orange and prepare the Secretary to make an informed decision. This includes everything
from what the science is indicating, necessary regulations and a complete regulatory impact
analysis. There is no delay in the decision process. Rather VA is taking appropriate time to
ensure we are prepared to provide any benefits and services based on the Secretary’s
decision.”
Past VA secretaries had rigid timetables for accepting or rejecting IOM findings. They also
had to adhere to certain standards and procedures in determining if more diseases should be
presumed service connected, and to explain in writing if they declined to add IOM-identified
conditions to the presumptive list.
But Congress allowed those provisions of the Agent Orange law to “sunset” Oct. 1, 2015, six
months before IOM delivered its last report. Shulkin therefore is under no “statutory deadline
nor required to do anything” with the IOM report, except whatever he promised veterans and
Congress, said Bart Stichman, co-director of the National Veterans Legal Services Program, a
non-profit that advocates for veterans and had lobbied to the Agent Orange provisions.
Many veterans know what’s at stake and have been pressing VA to add more diseases to the
presumptive list. Also, thousands of sailors and Marines who served on ships in the territorial
waters off Vietnam continue to press VA and the Congress to make Blue Water Navy
veterans eligible for Agent Orange benefits.
“I’ve been doing everything I can to bug the hell out of Secretary Shulkin” on the latest IOM
study, said Rick Weidman, executive director for policy and government affairs for Vietnam
Veterans of America. Shulkin responds, Weidman said, that “he’s trying and it’s a process.”
Weidman said he suspects one big hurdle is the White House’s Office of Management and
Budget which likely resists saddling VA with sharply higher disability pay obligations for
high blood pressure, bladder cancer or stroke contracted by any veteran who stepped foot in
Vietnam during the war.
OMB tried to block Shinseki in 2010 from adding three ailments, including heart disease, to
the presumptive list. Shinseki went around OMB and appealed directly to then-President
Barack Obama who sided with veterans, Weidman said. The Congressional Budget Office
calculated that within three years of that decision, ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s and
leukemia accounted for 280,000 additional compensation claims and $4.5 billion in
retroactive disability payments.
Beside resistance from OMB, Weidman said Shulkin is counseled by senior staff who run
post-deployment health services and study environmental hazards for VA and yet are
skeptical of the science associating herbicide dioxins with higher incidence of various
ailments. The Agent Orange “experts” they rely on, Weidman charged, haven’t published
“one scientific paper in a reputable peer review journal. The whole crew should be fired and
I’ve told the Secretary that.”
But is VA studying more than whether to add Agent Orange ailments? Anthony Principe, VA
secretary in President George W. Bush’s first term, argues for more sweeping changes. Like
Weidman, Principe served in combat in Vietnam but believes the Agent Orange law went too
far, forcing VA secretaries to build out lists of presumptive illnesses based only on suggestive
links to their wartime service, and ignoring the impact of unhealthy lifestyles, heredity and
aging.
Interviewed Tuesday, Principe said it doesn’t seem fair that an elderly Vietnam veteran can
begin receiving more disability compensation for heart disease at 75 or 80 than a young
Marine receives who loses a leg fighting in Afghanistan. Principe said he wants “common
sense” changes to the Agent Orange law so that, for example, diseases on the presumptive list
are deemed service connected only if diagnosed within 30 years of a veteran exiting Vietnam.
There’s legal precedent if Shulkin were to propose such a rule, perhaps while adding
hypertension to the presumptive list, said lawyer Stichman. In 1994, he recalled, Congress
allowed such a “manifestation rule” for Agent Orange-related respiratory cancers. By 2001,
however, it rescinded it on complaints by veteran groups that there was no science to support
limiting benefits in that way
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VA opens emergency rooms to other-than-honorable discharged Veterans –
As of July 5, veterans with other-than-honorable discharges are able to access VA emergency
rooms for urgent mental health care. The move is the culmination of months of review into
how to handle the cases of vets who may have been improperly separated from the military
due to undiagnosed or untreated problems like post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain
injury or other mental health issues. In March, VA Secretary Shulkin pledged to find more
ways to help those veterans, even if their status makes them ineligible for traditional veterans’
benefits. The new initiative mandates that veterans with other-than-honorable paperwork may
receive care for “a mental health emergency” for up to 90 days. That may include inpatient
services, residential care or outpatient options. “Suicide prevention is my top clinical
priority,” Shulkin said. “We want these former service members to know there is someplace
they can turn if they are facing a mental health emergency, whether it means urgent care at a
VA emergency department, a Vet Center or through the Veterans Crisis Line.”
Veterans advocates for years have pushed for some type of mental health care for the
estimated 300,000 veterans who have been separated from the military with so-called “bad
paper” discharges, arguing that many are reputable veterans whose underlying conditions
forced them out of the service.
VA studies estimate that nationwide about 20 veterans a day commit suicide. Of those, the
majority are not regular users of VA services. VA officials said during veterans’ 90-day
emergency treatment, Veterans Health Administration officials and Veterans Benefits
Administration staffers will work “to determine if the mental health condition is a result of a
service-related injury, making the service member eligible for ongoing coverage for that
condition.”
Three Mideast Division National Marines of the Year - “The 3 Amigos” join together at the
National Convention banquet in Overland Park, Kansas on August 19, 2017.
2017 National Marine of the Year, Mike McLain, 2016 National MOY Roger Ware and 2009
National MOY Jack Severn - Department of Maryland.
Paymaster Roy Wood of Det. 956 of Elkins received the Department of West Virginia Marine
of the Year Award during the 2017 Department Convention at the Town Center Marriott in
Charleston.
US Army letter June 2017 regarding Army Donations inventory of rifles
Pending Calendar
2017 Department of WV Quarterly Meeting - September 9, 2017 hosted by Danny M. Greene
Detachment 577 in Logan, WV at the old Henlawson Grade School & Vet Center. Dept. Staff
Officer Meeting is 9:30 AM with general business meeting at 10 AM. WV Pack Growl will
immediately follow Dept. Meeting.
2017 Modern Day Marine Expo will be Sep 19 - 21, 2017 at MCB, Quantico, VA.
2018 Department of WV Spring Quarterly Meeting will be January 13, 2018 at American
Legion Post 16 in Huntington, WV.
2018 MCL Midwinter Staff Conference will be March 1-3, 2018 at the Fredericksburg
Hospitality House and Conference Center, 2801 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. group
code: MCLMDWINTER17 Phone: (540) 786-8321 Room rate includes up to 4 breakfast
vouchers per occupancy. TBA per night + prevailing tax (currently 11.3%) Please make your
room reservation direct to the hotel no later than TBA at 540-786-8321.
2018 Department of West Virginia Convention will be May 4-6, 2018 at The Quality Inn
Gallipolis, 577 State Route 7 North, Gallipolis, OH 45769. Phone: (740) 446-0090. MGM
Detachment 1180 will be the host detachment. Rooms rate: $85.00 plus tax
Banquet includes choice of: Prime Rib $25, Chicken $20. Dinners include salad, 2 vegetables,
rolls, beverage, and dessert. Amenities: Group Rate includes free Wi-Fi, free parking, free
cable, free in-room coffee, free breakfast for two guests per room (each additional guest in a
room pays $6) Breakfast is 6 a.m. – 10 a.m.
2018 Mideast Division Conference will be June 15-16, 2018 at the Turf Valley Resort, 2700
Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Phone: 410-465-1500 or 888-883-8873. Room
rate: $109.00 plus tax Use Group Code: 2944UW. Hosted by Department of Maryland.
2018 MCL National Convention will be August 12-17, 2018 at the Buffalo Hyatt, Two
Fountains Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202. Phone: (844) 612-8010. or 716-856-1234 (Ask for Laci)
or Call 888-421-1442 for reservations. Cutoff date is July 9, 2018. Reservations open 0801
21 August 2017. Buffalo.hyatt.com. Room price $113 for one and $130 for 2 people plus
room tax. Free parking, free breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
2018 MCL National Convention will be August 2019 in Billings, Montana.
